A disabled woman claims the shocking state of pavements near her home in Aberdeen leave her in sever pain every time she ventures outside.
Christina MacBeath lives in the city’s Bucksburn area and uses a mobility scooter to get around.
But she says the pavements are in such a poor condition they make her scooter act “like a shopping trolley on steroids”.
Bruised ribs and “an extremely painful spine” are just two of the ailments she says she’s suffered as a result.
Ms MacBeath complained to Aberdeen City Council, detailing her pain, but was told the footway resurfacing programme had already been finalised.
Relatively recent council inspections had assessed the community’s pavements as “adequate”, but there has now been a pledge to take another look in case they have deteriorated and to meet with her to discuss her concerns.
Ms MacBeath said of her experience in recent weeks: “I’ve been left with bruises because of the state of the pavements.
“I can’t use my scooter on the streets around here – it’s atrocious – but it’s the only way I can get out.
The 53-year-old, who suffers from lung disease, said she had fallen from her scooter on Sclattie Crescent.
“I had been shielding for four months and was stuck inside. I was desperate to get back out and then on my first trip I ended up with bruises everywhere.”
Aberdeen charity Future Choices supports disabled people and chief executive, David Forbes said Ms MacBeath was not alone.
“There are a lot of people in Bucksburn and the surrounding areas feeling the same,” he said.
“In Ms MacBeath’s situation, getting out is going to be a struggle.
“I was feeling sorry for disabled people before Covid-19 but I feel even worse for them now as the council won’t be putting money into this.
“My heart hurts for those stuck inside. There is only too much TV you can watch.”
Councillor for the area, Neil MacGregor, said he had asked if some money provided under the Spaces for People funding could be made available to repair pavements as many people with mobility issues experienced difficulties with uneven surfaces.
The initial response from council officials said Sclattie Cresent and the surrounding areas would be assessed for future schemes as the programme this year was finalised.
A letter in response added: “I regret that I cannot be more definitive with regard to likely date of Sclattie Crescent and the surrounding areas being treated, however trust you understand that this is dependent upon other roads condition and available resources.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman added: “When last inspected, the pavements at Kepplehills Road and Sclattie Crecent were assessed as adequate and good although there may however have been some deterioration in the surface condition during the lockdown.
“We will review the current condition and, if required, progress some works to improve the surface to make it more suitable for a scooter.
“We are happy to meet the resident in the coming weeks to help identify the particular sections of pavement that are a cause for concern.”
